Even before Patrick Corbin established himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball through the first month of this season, the New York Yankees had their eye on the young hurler.

It appears the feeling of attraction may be mutual, as the 28-year-old left-hander says he would love to don the pinstripes.

"I know the Yankees have had some interest in the past, and there were a lot of rumors this winter that got my family excited," Corbin told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports. "It would have been cool. You just want to go where you’re wanted, and every team will have an opportunity."

Corbin, who was born in Clay, N.Y., grew up a Yankees fan and even owns an autographed jersey from former franchise great Andy Pettitte.

Related: Yankees reportedly scouting Diamondbacks' Corbin

His admiration for the franchise could give the Yankees a potential leg up when Corbin, who is 4-0 and leads MLB with 48 strikeouts, hits free agency next season.

"It would definitely be great to play there," he explained. "I grew up a Yankee fan. My whole family are Yankee fans. My mom, my dad, my grandpa, everybody. Really, every generation of my family has been Yankee fans.

"Living up in Syracuse, everybody’s a Yankee fan. Not too many Mets fans up there."